This is my very first completed oil painting.
A few weeks ago at my favorite hobby and crafts shop I stumbled upon discounted oils. I’d never used oils. I assumed they were hyped up acrylics offering no difference. Boy was I wrong. I was hooked with the very first stroke.
One of the details you can’t see is gold accents above the eyes and on her lips. However, the photo does show the dust on my shelf. Go figure.
. 
This is painted on a 9 x 11 birchwood board 1/4th inch thickness. It is currently unsealed because I don’t know how or even if I should. The paint is dry but I hear you’re supposed to seal the paint. If anyone has suggestions on what product to use I’d be open to hearing it.
For purchase inquiry please contact me via the address on my sidebar or see my Etsy shop. Thank you.
I love her! I fell head over heels with oils the first time I tried them too…I love the richness, the textures and the color values you just can not (at least I can not get) with acrylics. I’d say you are gifted that this is your first work! I would never have belived that if you hadn’t said so. Great job!
Wait for the oils to cure for aout 7 days from when it is dry to the touch and then seal it with a satin or semi-gloss water based acrylic poly. (hardware store is cheaper than the art store, I use polycrilic *blue can* myself in a semi-gloss or matt) If I use a medium with the oils like, Liquin, for faster drying times (great in winter) or for the added gloss, or even for glazing or transparent color I use a matt poly, otherwise I use a satin, it will help to not have a glare when it is hanging in a room or a gallery. You want to seal it, because like your shelf (I have to giggle here, because we can’t dust now, we think it’s what is holding things together! LOL you crack me up) dust will eat oil paintings over time, it will also reduce the UVB/UVA from sunlight and reduce the fade. Oils don’t really fade, but they will get chalky and crack. If they are sealed they can be cared for easier and will last longer. I hope that helps, it really is great work, you should be proud. We are all proud of you!